Pioneering black footballer’s story to be told in musical drama

Show Racism The Red Card, an anti-racism educational charity, has commissioned ‘Our Little Hour’.

It will be staged at the Burton Taylor Studio, Oxford Playhouse, at 7.30pm on October 11 and 12.

The play will tell the story of black footballer Walter Tull, an orphan and grandson of a Barbadian slave.

Written by Dougie Blaxland and composer Chris Anthony, it showcases how he rose to prominence against all odds.

The first black footballer to play at the highest level of the domestic game in the UK, he also became the first man of his heritage to be commissioned as an officer in the British Army.

He was killed in action just a few weeks before the end of World War One.

Mr Blaxland said the production is a “celebration of the life of an extraordinary man whose pioneering spirit continues to inspire the campaign for justice and equality”.

He added: “It is also deeply fitting that the production will be staged throughout Black History Month and honour the memory of one of the most significant figures in British sporting and military history.”

Paul Kearns, director of operations at Show Racism the Red Card, said: “This production tells a really important story which will help to reinforce the work that we are doing to combat racism.”

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